By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky FFA State Star Awards celebrate outstanding members whose Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs demonstrate excellence in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.
Representing communities across the state, these students have developed successful agricultural projects while strengthening their leadership abilities and industry skills.
State Star in Agricultural Placement Candidates
These students gained valuable hands-on experience through agricultural employment and workplace training:
- Lucy Jeffries (Hart County) - Barren River Region
- Ethan Easterling (West Carter) - Big Sandy River Region
- Sydnie Wells (Bourbon County) - Bluegrass Region
- Lily Clark (Franklin County) - Capital City Region
- Christopher Stephen (Apollo) - Green River Region
- Reese Croley (Whitley County) - Kentucky River Region
- Avery Wesley (Pulaski County) - Lake Cumberland Region
- Isaac Stull (Montgomery County) - Licking River Region
- Cyrus Bivens (LaRue County) - Lincoln Trail Region
- Haylie Thomas (Harrison County) - Northern Kentucky Region
- Will Tabor (Todd Central) - Pennyrile Region
- Westen Richardson (McCracken County) - Purchase Region
State Star in Agribusiness Candidates
These candidates built and managed businesses ranging from agricultural services to value-added products:
- Kinsley Taylor (Logan County)
- Luke Rayburn (West Carter)
- Melanie Planck (Locust Trace)
- Carter Hutcherson (Western Hills)
- Blake Hawkins (Apollo)
- Mallie Johnson (South Laurel)
- Grayson Dooley (Campbellsville Independent)
- Robert Pease (Fleming County)
- Addison Jones (Marion County)
- Audrey Roberts (Owen County)
- Rex Taggart (Christian County)
- Kaden Seaford (Marshall County)
State Star Farmer Candidates
These students demonstrated exceptional achievement through livestock, crop, and farm production enterprises:
- Lucy Jeffries (Hart County) - Barren River Region
- Ethan Easterling (West Carter) - Big Sandy River Region
- Sydnie Wells (Bourbon County) - Bluegrass Region
- Lily Clark (Franklin County) - Capital City Region
- Christopher Stephen (Apollo) - Green River Region
- Reese Croley (Whitley County) - Kentucky River Region
- Avery Wesley (Pulaski County) - Lake Cumberland Region
- Isaac Stull (Montgomery County) - Licking River Region
- Cyrus Bivens (LaRue County) - Lincoln Trail Region
- Haylie Thomas (Harrison County) - Northern Kentucky Region
- Will Tabor (Todd Central) - Pennyrile Region
- Westen Richardson (McCracken County) - Purchase Region
- Kinsley Taylor (Logan County)
- Luke Rayburn (West Carter)
- Melanie Planck (Locust Trace)
- Carter Hutcherson (Western Hills)
- Blake Hawkins (Apollo)
- Mallie Johnson (South Laurel)
- Grayson Dooley (Campbellsville Independent)
- Robert Pease (Fleming County)
- Addison Jones (Marion County)
- Audrey Roberts (Owen County)
- Rex Taggart (Christian County)
- Kaden Seaford (Marshall County)
- Klay Vansickle (Logan County)
- Brittney Wright (Elliott County)
- Will Beckley (Estill County)
- Logan Rudd (Woodford County)
- Colton Hardy (Apollo)
- Austin Van (North Laurel)
- Myla Curry (Adair County)
- Laura Ellington (Montgomery County)
- Case Redmon (Meade County)
- Brody Hearn (Owen County)
- Benjamin Jones (Caldwell County)
- Jacob Thorn (Marshall County)
The State Star Awards recognize the dedication, innovation, and hard work of Kentucky FFA members. Through their SAE programs, these students have gained practical agricultural experience while preparing for future careers and leadership roles within the industry.
Photo Credit: kentucky-ffa
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Education